Science Magazine Society: First Year Representative

I am applying to be a first year representative because I believe in the importance of science communication as a method to get others enjoying and involved in science and to spread awareness of important issues. It is a field where there is always something new to learn and I would love to get more involved within the science magazine society and meet new people!

I have relevant experience as I was editor of my school biology magazine last year, as well as writing some articles. I found the process of being involved extremely rewarding and enjoyed working alongside other passionate people, something I would love to continue this year and further develop my skills. I am friendly, enthusiastic, easy to work with and keen to learn.

Hi! My name is Brooklyn and I am a first-year BSc Biochemistry student.  As someone who has always loved science and STEM, I see the field as a way of connecting creativity, curiosity, and communication. To me, being able to spread my own experiences through articles and reviews was something I had always loved. I believe the first year should be a year of exploration and collaboration- students should feel the freedom to learn a wide-range of disciplines to expand their horizons. At UCL Science Magazine Society, this is at the heart of what we do.

I've written research-driven analysis on multiple fields of science, one particular notable culminating a 8000-word dissertation based upon experimental protocol. At my high school, Eton College, I had been shortlisted for the school science magazine competition in multiple occassions. These experiences taught me how to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives- something I hope to share with everyone.

As your representative: I'll make sure first-year voices are heard:

1. Encourage and aid first-year contributors through writing workshops and mentorships
2. Launch a first-year highlights section- featuring particular intriguing and engaging works from first-year writers!
3. Organise collaboration between different societies. e.g. UCLSciMag x Arts Society for even better designs

I want our magazine to be a platform where every science student feels represented and motivated to share their curiosity. 

Hi, my name is Tom, and I am from China. I am a current first-year undergraduate. I love science and am passionate about presenting scientific discoveries in a way that is approachable to the general public. Especially nowadays, where conspiracies and pseudoscientific claims run rampant on the internet. At the same time, I want to improve my own science writing skills and connect with other enthusiastic and aspiring students who also want to make science more accessible. For this reason, I want to be a first-year undergraduate representative to meet and help other fellow first-years to help with whatever concerns they might have.  I have had the privilege to live and study in multiple countries. Therefore, I believe my experience with people from different cultures has made me an inclusive person who can make students from various backgrounds feel a sense of belonging.  

I’m excited to stand as First Year Representative because I want to help new students feel connected and confident in our scientific community. Entering a completely new environment once taught me how important it is to have a welcoming space where curiosity and collaboration are encouraged. Through co-founding a national science society that brought together students from a wide range of backgrounds, I learned how transformative it can be when everyone’s perspective is valued. Organizing webinars with researchers, mentoring younger students, and creating accessible science content showed me that inclusivity in science communication is just as important as the discoveries themselves.

Beyond academics, I’ve seen how knowledge can unite people through shared purpose. When I co-founded a health literacy course for refugees, I witnessed how communication and empathy could bridge barriers between science and society. I hope to bring this same mindset into the Science Magazine Society by ensuring that every first-year student’s voice is heard and represented. I plan to organize brainstorming sessions, writing workshops, and mentorship programs that encourage collaboration between writers, editors, and readers. My goal is to help first-year students not only find their place within the society but also discover the joy of using science as a tool to connect, inspire, and create positive impact.